# The Fox and the Grasshopper explained — Aesop's Fables

> Chapter companion for Aesop's Fables by Aesop.

## What happens

A Fox tries to trick a Grasshopper into coming down from a tree by flattering her song, but the Grasshopper sees through the deception, recalling evidence of past grasshoppers eaten by foxes.

## Themes in this chapter

### Cunning and Deception

The Fox employs flattery as a deceptive trick to lure the Grasshopper.

### Wisdom and Foolishness

The Grasshopper demonstrates wisdom by recognizing the Fox's trick and avoiding danger.

## Character check-ins

### The Fox

Attempts to deceive the Grasshopper with flattery to catch and eat her.

### The Grasshopper

Wise to the Fox's trick, she refuses to descend, citing the wings of grasshoppers seen near a fox's den.

## Key lines

> A Grasshopper sat chirping in the branches of a tree. A Fox heard her, and, thinking what a dainty morsel she would make, he tried to get her down by a trick.

A Grasshopper was singing in a tree when a Fox heard her and, seeing her as a tasty snack, attempted to lure her down with a trick.

_Sets up the Fox's predatory intent and deceptive plan._

> But she was not to be taken in, and replied, “You are very much mistaken, my dear sir, if you imagine I am going to come down: I keep well out of the way of you and your kind ever since the day when I saw numbers of grasshoppers’ wings strewn about the entrance to a fox’s earth.”

The Grasshopper was not fooled and told the Fox that she stays away from foxes because she once saw many grasshopper wings near a fox's den.

_The Grasshopper uses past evidence to see through the Fox's flattery and protect herself._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters/the-fox-and-the-grasshopper
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters